When Aardman created the new Thatchers TV Ad – Take a special look behind the scenes

Thatchers Cider has released a behind-the-scenes look at the making of its new TV ad, Pint-Sized Perfection.

The short film, available to view here on this blog, takes an exclusive background look into the studios of multi-Academy Award®-winning Aardman, who are the creators of the Thatchers' stop motion animation TV ad. It features interviews with Aardman creatives, plus as the real people behind some of the Thatchers characters as seen on TV.   

You'll learn why Find out why hundreds of special teeny sized apples had to be made,  how animators were able to employ the puppets to create a perfect sense of organic chaos, and how the director forged a career in animation.

“Take a look at the total dedication to perfection that Aardman put into creating the miniature models of the rosy-red apples, and you'll be able to understand why they are masters of their craft,” says fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher, who is interviewed in the behind-the-scenes film.

“Until you actually get to work with Aardman you can't possibly appreciate the amount of exacting detail they go to make everything in minute detail absolutely perfect,” he went on say.

“It's that absolute attention to detail that makes the pairing between Thatchers and Aardman absolutely perfect.”

Director Will Studd from Aardman adds, “We wanted to create the perfect representation of Thatchers' Myrtle Farm. Knowing Thatchers and being from South Bristol myself, I was obviously really very excited to be part of this project.”

In the film you'll hear from Will about how Aardman used its world class skills in stop motion to bring Thatchers expertise to the screen. Head of Model Making, Chris Entwistle, Art Director Raj Westerberg, and Lead Animator Tim Allen, explain how they strive to make things as realistic as possible, but at the same time find a happy medium with the wonderful stamp of stop motion animation.

The TV ad is currently being broadcast across multi-media over the summer months.

The Pint-Sized Perfection commercial relates the story of the Thatchers commitment to crafting the tastiest of perfect ciders, which are now sold throughout the UK.  With its relentless, driven pursuit of perfection, the commercial follows the cider making journey from the orchards right through to the glass, through Aardman's unique and characterful story telling technique.

With total dedication to their craft, a team of 40 crew at Aardman were involved in the film, with animators alone needing over 480 hours to shoot the 40 second commercial.

Martin Thatcher concludes, “This is a film that allows people to step into the world of Thatchers. Our passion for creating the most perfect cider is reflected in the genius of Aardman, whose talented artists have recreated life at Myrtle Farm in the most minute and exacting detail.”

Thatchers Launches Its Pint-Sized Perfection Commercial Featuring Animation from Academy Award® Winning Aardman

Thatchers Cider unveils a new TV commercial today (Thursday 25th May 2023), which sees the Somerset cider maker collaborating with multi-Academy Award® winning studio Aardman.

Airing for the first time at 9.15pm on 25th May, the commercial uses stop motion animation to bring the viewer through the gates of Thatchers' own Myrtle Farm home in a light-hearted and affectionate way. We see how the family cider maker's dedication along every step of the way achieves Pint-Sized Perfection.

Aardman uses its world-class skills in perfectly crafted hand-made miniature worlds to bring Thatchers' expertise to the screen. Iconic elements of Myrtle Farm such as its orchards, help tell the story of carefully crafting the perfect drop of cider. Some familiar faces make an appearance throughout the commercial, including fourth generation cider maker Martin Thatcher making a big entrance for the weekly 12.30 tasting. Viewers may also recognise the iconic Thatchers hot air balloon from previous ads, as well as Myrtle, the family dog.

Thatchers Cider, with market leading premium brands including Thatchers Gold, Haze and Blood Orange, is still making cider at the same family farm where founder William Thatcher first grew and pressed apples almost 120 years ago. The Pint-Sized Perfection commercial tells the story of the Thatchers commitment to crafting the tastiest ciders, resonating with consumers who seek out values of authenticity and sustainability in their cider choice.  

With its relentless pursuit of perfection, the commercial follows the cider making journey from the orchards to glass, through Aardman's unique and characterful story telling technique.

Martin Thatcher, who has had cameo appearances in all of Thatchers recent TV ads, says, “Partnering with Aardman, a truly iconic brand with such amazing creative genius, and situated in the West Country as we are, allows us to introduce consumers to a new light-hearted, storytelling creative about our ciders.

“With total commitment to quality, perfection and sustainability every step of the way, the commercial shines a spotlight on the Thatchers world in this contemporary way.”

Viewers may also recognise the familiar voice of the narrator – Richard Ede – who has also featured in previous commercials from Thatchers.

The commercial has been directed by Aardman's Will Studd and produced by Danny Gallagher.

With total dedication to their craft, a team of 40 creatives at Aardman were involved in the film, with animators alone needing over 480 hours to shoot the 40 second commercial.

Will Studd, director at Aardman adds: “I am thrilled to be directing a new advert for Thatchers, a cider brand that shares our passion for craft and attention to detail. As a paid-up cider enthusiast, I am drinking in the opportunity to bring the Thatchers family, farm, dog, and selected staff members to life with detailed puppets and sets.

“Being able to collaborate with such a well-established South West brand on this project is an honour, I'm eager to create a beautiful film that captures the essence of Thatchers and their focus on perfection.”

Martin continues, “This is a film that allows people to step into the world of Thatchers. Our passion for creating the most perfect cider is reflected in the genius of Aardman, whose animators have recreated life at Myrtle Farm in the most minute and exacting detail, from our iconic barn doors, to our hot air balloon where the basket was handwoven out of real straw. Fabric from our own workwear has even been used to create some of the costumes.

“In partnering with Aardman we've been in awe of their attention to detail, their pursuit of perfection, which truly resonates with all that we strive for at Thatchers.”   

The commercial will have a multi-media launch, the campaign continuing through to August. This will include linear TV, broadcast video on demand, cinema and YouTube.  This will be enhanced with 48 sheet and 6 sheet OOH, and a consumer focussed social media campaign.

The commercial can be viewed here: